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Le Roy

Dryer fire at house in Village of Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A dryer fire is reported inside a house at 25 W. Main St. in the Village of Le Roy.

Le Roy fire is responding, along with mutual aid from Pavilion and Churchville.

Le Roy medics are also going to the scene.

Firefighters on scene in Le Roy say it is "a working fire."

UPDATE 1:12 p.m.: The fire is knocked down and crews are working to check  extentions.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: There's a natural gas leak inside the structure.

UPDATE 1:18 p.m.: Rochester Gas & Electric is requested to the scene.

Tractor-trailer and multiple car accident on Route 33 and Bergen Road

By Howard B. Owens

A gas-hauling tractor-trailer and multiple vehicles have been involved in an accident on Route 33 at West Bergen Road, according to scanner reports.

A dispatch says "we believe at least three or four vehicles involved."

There are no specifics on injuries, but two ambulances have been started and Mercy Flight is on standby.

Bergen Fire Department is responding as well as multiple law enforcement units. Byron and South Byron fire asked to respond mutual aid.

The tractor-trailer has rolled with a vehicle pinned underneath.

There is fluid leaking. It's unknown if the fluid is from the tanker or side tanks.

UPDATE 7:57 a.m.: Both directions of traffic on Route 33 are shut to traffic, from West Bergen and Lyman roads. State Police have taken command of the scene. A county Hazmat team is to report to the training center on Bank St. Road in Batavia to gather equipment to go to the scene. The tractor-trailer is leaking fuel "at a pretty good rate." The triage center for victims is going to be south of the West Bergen Road/Route 33 intersection. A tanker from Churchville is called along with LeRoy. All "civilians" are going to be "removed from the scene." One victim, who is conscious and alert, is trapped in the vehicle under the truck. Extrication will be needed.

UPDATE 8:07 a.m.: Town of Batavia rescue unit is called along with Jim's Service to lift the truck so the victim can be extricated. Mercy Flight will be landing at the intersection. The leak "appears to be contained at this point."

UPDATE 8:10 a.m.: Fire police will be stationed at Griswold Road and Route 33. Stafford Fire Department is called to the scene. The tractor-trailer was hauling 9,500 gallons of fuel oil.

UPDATE 8:25 a.m.: The section of Route 33 closed to traffic has been extended from Griswold to Dublin roads.

UPDATE 8:37 a.m.: Pavilion firefighters are asked to stand in at Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 8:49 a.m.: The county Highway Department in Stafford is called to the scene to provide a load of sand to absorb fuel oil in a ditch.

UPDATE 8:52 a.m.: The state has jursidiction of Route 33, so the county Highway Department may not be able to provide the sand. But officials will try to override that since this is an emergency situation. Otherwise, a state highway truck will need to be called in.

UPDATE 8:57 a.m.: A fire chief on scene says the fuel leak has been stopped and berms are in place to contain it. A state Department of Transportation truck is en route to the scene with sand. The victims trapped under the truck has been extricated.

UPDATE 9:16 a.m.: A representative from the state Department of Environmental Conservation is en route and asked about about the fuel spill and was told "There is an unknown, large amount in a ditch area."


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Area high-school students show off talent in original printmaking show

By Howard B. Owens

Traditional printmaking is on display at the Senior Center on Bank Street through April 29.

The prints were created by high-school students from Batavia and Le Roy.

These aren't digital, computer-generated prints, but handcrafted original images using silkscreen, linoleum, wood block, collography and stencils to create new works of art.

Local teens display work in traditional printmaking

By Billie Owens

A Traditional Printmaking Show is on display at the Batavia gallery of the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!). It runs though April 29 and features pieces by 21 local artists.

The Batavia gallery is located inside the Genesee County Senior Center, 2 Bank St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The printmaking show is the brainchild of AmeriCorps worker Joe Langen. Although digital (computer-generated) prints are fairly commonplace, this show celebrates the time-honored, hand-generated traditional printmaking process.

In photography, a print is considered a copy of a photographed image. In printmaking, prints are original images produced by applying layers of ink to a background, usually paper.

Silkscreen, linoleum, wood block, collography and stencils are perhaps the most common ways of producing prints. Other, more difficult methods include etching, lithography and engraving, to name a few.

Printmaking is a way for artists to share their vision of reality and fantasy. This exhibit gives you a chance to delight in the creativity of established artists and the new generation of gifted teens.

Just because the method is a traditional one, doesn’t mean the themes necessarily are. Lady Gaga, anyone? Please come and share enjoy this delightful variety of perspectives on life and nature.

Student artists whose works are on exhibit at the Batavia gallery are:

Le Roy High School -- Allison Weaver, Karl Graff, Kylan Carter, Rayleigh Staba, Sarah Ehrmentraut, Alexandrea Zoccali, Bobbi Welker, Maggie Kibler, Jonathan Dimick, Rachel Graham and Charlotte Carmel.

Batavia High School -- Rebecca Zinni, Maria Yefremenko, Jamie Whitmore, Annie Janofsky, Samantha Brenkus, Catie Boerschlein, Chelsea Anthony, Hayley Jensen, Bianca Grazioplene and Allison Bryant.

GO ART! exhibits are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts. For more information, contact GO ART! at 343-9313, info@GOart.org or visit www.GOart.org.

Former owner accused of stealing kitchen cabinets from tax-foreclosed house

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATED 4:59 p.m.

After losing his home in a county tax-lien foreclosure, Paul Ray Hogle apparently decided he couldn't do without his kitchen cabinets.

Hogle is accused of stealing the cabinets from 103 Lake St., Le Roy, after Genesee County took possession of the house.

He's been charged with grand larceny, 4th.

According to County Treasurer Scott German, Hogle asked for permission to re-enter the house after the county took possession of the property to retrieve a few more personal items.

Personal items didn't include anything attached to the house, such as the cabinets, according to German.

The cabinets were discovered missing shortly after the auction, when the winning bidder, Jason Shue, went by the house and looked in the windows and noticed the cabinets missing.

The value of the cabinets, which have been recovered, was put at $1,600.

The house sold at auction for $49,000. It was assessed at $72,000 and nearly $13,000 in taxes were owed on it.

After the sale, the new owner discovered the cabinets missing and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation.

Motor-vehicle accident at Main and Clay, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries has been reported at Main and Clay streets in the Village of Le Roy.

No word on the seriousness of the injuries.

Le Roy Fire Department and law enforcement are on scene. Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 11:41 a.m: Accident has been cleared. Roadway reopened.

Also, Darien Fire Department is working a minor injury accident on Countyline Road.

Photos: Out and about on a Friday afternoon in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

I've driven down Munson Street in Le Roy a couple of times. Somehow, I never before noticed these falls right by the BOCES campus.

On Cole Road.

Route 5 near Nelesville Nilesville Road, Stafford.

Morganville Road, Stafford.

Le Roy students to perform 'Little Shop of Horrors' this weekend

By Daniel Crofts

Lights were dimming for the beginning of dress rehearsal when I took this picture -- it's of the poster for Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School's 2011 musical production, "Little Shop of Horrors."

Based on the Broadway rock musical by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, "Little Shop" is the story of a shy, nervous store clerk who dreams of finding a way out of the lousy job and circumstances he's stuck in, a young girl with low self-worth and an abusive boyfriend, and a plant that talks, sings and eats people.

This is the latest performance in a district known for its high standards for school musicals. Le Roy has been selected as one of the top 100 communities for music education in the country on multiple occasions, according to Bradley Meholick, director of music for the district.

He attributes this honor to the high level of dedication on the part of students, staff, administrators and parents, all working together in support of music in the schools.

Directed by Batavia High School graduate Jackie McLean, who teaches general music and chorus in the Le Roy schools, "Little Shop" stars students in grades nine through 12, with seventh- through 12th-graders in the crew and in the orchestra (aka "the pit").

Meholick, who is also the orchestra director for the show, describes it as witty and having a "soul feel to it (as far as the music goes)."

"The music is '50's style, but in this version it's freshened up a bit," he said. "The general style resembles '50's doo-wop, but there's a little bit of everything -- even some rock and R&B."

Senior Stephen Rudman, who plays Seymour, says this is a "real upbeat, great show."

"It has plenty of fun interaction between the characters that people of all ages will love," he said. "And the plants are just great."

The "plants" he referred to are part of a unique and innovative feature of this performance. Four puppets will be used to portray Seymour's man-eating plant, which grows with each person it eats. Meholick said that the puppets being used are of the same make and type as those used in the original Broadway performance.

The first and smallest of the "plant puppets" is pictured below. In the first picture, Seymour (Rudman) begs it to grow so that he can finally attract customers to the store in which he works; in the next two photos, the plant sprouts up and opens its mouth, in that order.

All four puppets are operated by puppeteer Kaleb Miller, a student at Le Roy Jr./Sr. High whom McLean describes as "very talented."

"We always try to give the audience something big to look forward to," Meholick said. "A couple years ago we did 'Beauty and the Beast' (which had scenes where the characters flew), and we hired a company to come in and fly the actors around the stage. Last year we did 'Curtains,' and we actually had one of the leads from the Broadway performance come and work with the kids."

Not only does "Little Shop" have yet another "something big" to give to its audience, it also presents some unique challenges and opportunities to the actors -- perhaps especially to Jake Bortle, who provides the voice of the plant.

Bortle, a senior, has been in Le Roy Jr./Sr. High musicals since seventh grade, and this is the first time he has done something like this.

"It's a complete change for me as an actor," Bortle said. "It's been a challenge having to act without using my body and to coordinate what I'm saying with what Kaleb is doing. But we work well together." 

In spite of the challenges, these young actors have been able to deliver what Meholick called "the cleanest performance to date."

"The kids have been prepared earlier than ever before, and they've been very motivated. And I think the result is going to be one of our finest productions."

McLean, who has been heavily involved in school and community theater for years, agreed totally with this assessment.

"The kids are awesome," she said. "With two weeks to develop their characters, they've been very professional -- more so than most young people with whom I've worked in the past. It's phenomenal."

"I'm hoping people in the audience forget it's kids putting on this show once it's over," Meholick said.

Senior Brogan O'Halloran, student conductor of the show's orchestra, echoed this sentiment.

"I think the community will be proud of its students and the hard work and talent they show," she said. "We're happy to be part of this musical."

Here are a couple more photos of the actors on stage:

PICS FROM THE PIT

Showtimes for "Little Shop" are tonight at 7:30 p.m., and tomorrow (March 19) at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. All performances are in the high school auditorium, at 9300 South St. Road in Le Roy. Tickets are $10 (flat fee) at the door and $8 presale.

For more information on tickets, click here.

Le Roy man accused of being involved in fatal pedestrian accident in Rochester

By Howard B. Owens

A 26-year-old Le Roy resident is accused of leaving the scene of a fatal accident in Rochester, the Democrat & Chronicle reports.

Matthew Norstrand is facing a felony charge charged of leaving the scene of a fatal accident and falsely reporting an incident, a misdemeanor.

Norstrand is accused of striking and killing Richard Strapp, 41, of Rochester, at the intersection of Alexander and East Main streets at 10:45 p.m., Saturday.

Strapp, who was walking in a crosswalk, died at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Later that night, Norstrand allegedly flagged down a police officer outside Johnny's Pub on Culver Road and claimed his car was stolen.

The car was later found on Stunz Street.

Norstrand was jailed on $20,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in Rochester City Court on March 23.

Woodward's Bookworms

By Trisha Riggi

On Thursday, April 7, from 3:15-4:15 p.m. for grades 4-6. The theme of this month's discussion is "friendship." Read any book about friends and discuss it with our group. While we chat we'll make friendship bracelets. Snacks are also provided. Register by calling 585-768-8300. New members are ALWAYS welcome!

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Preschool Storytime Tuesday evening at Woodward Library

By Trisha Riggi

Tuesdays, Apr. 7 - May 19, 6:30-7:00 p.m.

This group is for ages 3-6. Listen to stories and sing songs.  Learn rhymes, fingerplays, and sign language.  Tell stories with puppets and the flannel board.  Each story time ends with coloring and bubbles.

Registration is required.  Children must be at least 3 by the first session.  This session begins Tuesday, April 10 and runs through Tuesday, May 19.

Limit of 15 children. Register online at www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or by calling 585-768-8300.

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"African Drumming" at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

On Thursday, March 24 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. we will start a four session adult program hosted by Katie Selig. You will experience the tradition of music in West Africa through authentic instruments. The next sessions will continue, April 28, May 26, and June 30. You may attend one or all of the sessions. Registration is required and there is a $3.00 fee per session. Please call 585-768-8300.

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"Coming to America" at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

On Tuesday, March 22 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Greg Kinal, Pembroke Central High School teacher and local historian will conduct this interesting exploration into the life and times of European immigrants at the turn of the century. Registration is required. Please call 585-768-8300.

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"Intro to Facebook" at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Monday, March 21, 11:00-11:30 a.m. or Wednesday, March 23, 7:00-7:30 p.m. Intro to Facebook is an adult program that includes creating an account, changing your profile and uploading and posting photos. Registration is required. Please call 585-768-8300.

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Driver who allegedly fled scene of accident may face charges

By Howard B. Owens

Charges may be pending following a one-car accident at 10:38 p.m. Saturday, on North Street Road, Le Roy.

The driver has been identified as Philip M. Niccloy, 24, of 75 Summit St., Le Roy.

According to initial reports, the car Niccloy was allegedly driving, was found unoccupied at the accident scene and several law enforcement officers were involved in a search for the driver.

The Sheriff's Office accident report does not include information on how Niccloy was identified as the driver nor how he was found, though on Saturday night, the owner of the vehicle, also a Summit Street resident, said she wanted charges pressed against the driver.

The vehicle involved was a 2010 GMC pickup.

The truck hit a tree at the bend of the road in the area of 8471 North Street Road. The driver-side airbag was deployed.

The accident is being investigated by Deputy Matthew Butler wrote on his report that the investigation is ongoing and there are "charges pending."

Driver has reportedly left the scene of an accident on North Street Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A car has gone off the road and hit a tree in the area of 8481 North St. Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire and ambulance dispatched.

A first responder says there has been air bag deployment, but she says, "I haven't located the driver yet."

A deputy reports that the driver has apparently left the scene.

UPDATE 11:02 p.m.: The registered owner has been located and wishes to press charges against the driver. Police seem to have some idea who the driver is and are searching for him.

UPDATE 11:16 p.m.: The suspect has not been located yet. He is likely on foot and may be within the village boundaries.


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Photos: Loose geese on Britt Road

By Howard B. Owens

When I turned onto Britt Road (Le Roy), I spotted two women wading through knee-deep water in a field seemingly herding three geese.

It turns out that Sid, Sally and Sandy had escaped their pen and decided to go for a swim. Shannon Yauchzee and daughter Kari had to go into the cold, swampy field and round up the wayward fowl.

Grand Jury Report: Woman faces 25 counts for using stolen gift cards

By Billie Owens

The following indictments were issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury:

Deanna Leach is indicted on 25 counts. Of those, 19 are for forgery, 2nd, a class D felony. Five are for petit larceny, a misdemeanor. And one is for falsifying business records, 1st, a class E felony.

She is accused of illegally using gift/debit cards valued at $50 each at a store in the Village of Le Roy on or about Jan. 6, 15, 21, 26 and on about Feb. 7 and 21, all in 2010.

As for the petit larcenies, she is accused of stealing gift/debit cards from the same store on multiple occasions.

Lastly, she is accused of falsifying business records at the same store by not making "a true entry in the business record" that a gift/debit card had been activated.

David W. Wells is indicted on two counts, both class E felonies. He is accused of driving his Chevy Silverado while intoxicated on or about Sept. 17 on Byron Holley Road in the Town of Byron. He is also accused of aggrevated driving while intoxicated, with a BAC of .18. He was convicted of DWI in August in the Town Court of Bergen.

John T. Reagan is indicted on one count of driving while intoxicated, a class E felony. He is accused of driving his Audi while intoxicated on or about Aug. 27 on Sumner Road in the Town of Darien.

James Kosiorek is indicted for assault, 2nd, a class D felony, stemming from an incident on or about Oct. 13 in the Village of Le Roy. He is accused of intending to cause serious physical injury to another person and then causing serious injury to that person by means of a dangerous instrument (which in this case was his sneakers).

Peter S. Brigzna is indicted for driving while intoxicated, a class E felony. He is accused of driving his Ford Tempo on Bank Street Road in the Town of Byron while intoxicated on or about Nov. 12.

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